How-to Guide: Planning a Florence Elopement

The birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy, offering art, culture, history, and incredible food within a 40-mile radius. The city center is completely walkable, making it easy to explore the sights at your own pace so you can really soak them in and enjoy the city’s beauty and great vibes.

I’ve been photographing elopements for over a decade and Florence is still one of the most charming and romantic places I’ve ever had the privilege to shoot. It is the perfect place for an elopement that feels right out of a romance movie and fully timeless, so here are my top tips on how to plan one for yourselves.

Frequently asked questions about eloping in Florence: 

How do you get to Florence? 

To keep things easy, you can fly directly into Florence’s airport (FLR), which is about 20 minutes outside of the city center (located at 43°46’20.8″N 11°15’22.0″E) by car, or 30 minutes by train. If you’re flying in from the U.S. though, you may need to connect through larger, international airports in Europe, since those will have more flight options. I personally recommend flying into Rome (FCO) where you then have the option of continuing on to Florence via plane, or taking a 90-minute train instead, which could end up costing you less and being more convenient when it comes to traveling with checked bags—depending on what airline you’ve chosen.

When’s the best time to visit Florence?

The best time to visit Florence is during the shoulder seasons, so around April/May or September/October. Those months offer warm weather but avoid the scorching heat and intense humidity you’ll find from mid-June to late August, while also allowing you to avoid the large crowds that tend to visit in the summer and winter.

For even smaller crowds, stick to weekdays over weekends if at all possible. Different locations are busier at different parts of the day, but sunrise and sunset will always be best for foot traffic and lighting. Sunrise, in particular, is a gorgeous time to be in the city because, not only is the light soft and dreamy, but the streets will be deserted, making you feel like you have the entirety of Florence to yourselves!

Florence Summer Elopement

If you’re looking for a place that feels historic while exuding an aura of art and culture, look no further than Florence! Filled with stunning examples of medieval architecture and gorgeous artwork from the Renaissance, this city has an old-world charm that will steal your breath, especially under the golden light of a late summer sunset.

Do I need a wedding planner in Florence?

If you’re planning on getting legally married in Florence, I do recommend hiring a wedding planner. Mainly because most of the venues will require one, but also because you’ll be dealing with a lot of Italian paperwork and it could be helpful to have someone local who is well-versed in managing that process and can provide translation services if needed!  

But if you’re handling the legal part of your marriage back home, you don’t necessarily need a wedding planner to have a great elopement. I design experiences for all of my couples from scratch, and we work together to build out your ideal day—no planner required!

How do you elope in Florence? 

I’ve photographed over 150 international elopements and weddings, so I know all the ins and outs of getting married in another country smoothly and without stress! Here is a quick breakdown to give you a general idea of the process: 

1. Pick a Date

I find it’s helpful to start the process by picking a season or a month! From there, you can start narrowing down venues and guest lists, based on corresponding costs, planning timeframes, or any other considerations that may impact your decision. 

2. Hire a Photographer

Hiring a photographer who is familiar with the area can really help make the entire elopement process smoother, especially if you’re traveling from the U.S. An American photographer can guide you through the logistics of eloping in another country and the permitting process (if there is one), while also adding a layer of comfort on your big day as someone who speaks your language if you’re not quite fluent in Italian!

3. Plan Your Trip & Timeline

The beauty of Florence is that it’s within driving distance of so many incredible places, allowing you to plan an incredible trip in Italy that goes beyond the borders of the city! An experienced destination elopement photographer (like me!) can help you manage all the intricacies of international travel so that you end up with the best itinerary possible.

4. Make it Legal

There are three different types of ceremonies you can have in Italy: a civil ceremony, a religious ceremony, and a symbolic ceremony. The first two are legally binding, meaning there are official documents you’ll need to sort out in Italy, which will require some time and planning. Because of that, I strongly recommend dealing with all the legalities—like your marriage license—at home before your trip and having a symbolic ceremony (sometimes called a commitment ceremony) for your elopement. That way you save yourself the time and stress!

If you do want to get legally married in Italy, though, you need to work with your country’s consulate in Italy and submit a declaration of your intent to marry to the town hall of the city where you plan on having your ceremony. All in all, this process could take up to a year, especially when dealing with Italian bureaucracy, so make sure you start it well ahead of your wedding date! If you’re a U.S. citizen, you can find more information on the official “U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Italy” webpage here.

5. Get Married!

That’s it! All that’s left is to exchange your vows and embark on the adventure of a lifetime together. 

What are the best views & sights in Florence?

Once a center for culture and art, Florence has retained its medieval charm centuries after the Renaissance. From colorful shops along the river selling local artisans’ goods to magnificent galleries bursting with famous artwork you’ll find nowhere else in the world, this city has no shortage of things to see and do that will make your trip—and elopement—an unforgettable experience!

Here are just a few of my favorite places to visit:

• Ponte Vecchio:
  • This bridge is one of the most popular attractions in the city, thanks to its medieval architecture and colorful facade. Surviving the destruction of World War II, Ponte Vecchio is a hub of excitement filled with rows of shops that make the site feel truly unique. 

• The Uffizi:
  • Known worldwide for its art collection, this gallery is a sprawling complex with over 100 exhibition halls spread across two floors. These rooms feature original works you won’t be able to find anywhere else, including masterpieces like Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus and Michelangelo’s Doni Tondo.

• Piazza della Signoria: 
  • This piazza is home to the Palazzo Vecchio (“Old Palace”) and has been the center of political life in Florence since the 14th century, with the medieval palace serving as the city’s town hall even today! Featuring a large copy of Michelangelo’s David statue (the real one is in the nearby Galleria dell’Accademia!), this piazza is one of the best spots in the city to experience the very best of Florence’s iconic architecture and art. 

What are the best places to elope in Florence?

Filled with gorgeous architecture and breathtaking gardens, Florence has no shortage of beautiful spots for your elopement, especially if you’re aiming to have a symbolic ceremony with only a few guests. 

Here are a few of my favorite elopement spots in and around the city:

• Piazza del Duomo (The Duomo’s Plaza)
  • Cost: FREE
  • Permit: No permit required as long as you’re doing a symbolic ceremony and don’t have any props or decor. 

• Piazzale Michelangelo (Michelangelo Plaza)
  • Cost: FREE
  • Permit: No permit required as long as you’re doing a symbolic ceremony and don’t have any props or decor. 

• Giardino Bardini (Bardini Gardens)
  • Cost: $580–$921 (cost varies depending on guest count, though a maximum of 5 guests is recommended)
    • Permit/Venue Fee: $569–$910
    • Entrance Fee: $11
  • Permit: You’ll need a special permit from the Bardini Foundation in order to exchange your vows and take photos in the gardens. You can inquire about one by contacting the secretariat of the foundation directly at info@villabardini.it. 

What are the best wedding venues in Florence? 

If you’re expecting more than 10 guests, a wedding venue might be the best way to provide an accessible and manageable place for everyone to gather. Plus, it would make the process of planning and organizing your wedding way less stressful.

Here are just a few options for venues in the Florence area:  

• Castello del Trebbio
  • Cost: Starting at $40,919 (includes accommodation for 2 nights, catering, ceremony, and reception—for a specific quote, you can contact eventi@castellodeltrebbio.eu)
    • Three-Night Gold Package: $52,288
    • Two-Night Silver Package: $40,919
  • Guest Count: 51 max
    • Three-Night Gold Package: 51 max
    • Two-Night Silver Package: 51 max

• Villa Merlo Nero
  • Cost: Starting at $11,370 (cost varies depending on how many nights you stay on-site and includes the venue, catering, and lodging—for a specific quote, you can contact the venue’s events team at booking@merlonero.com)
    • 2-night Package: Starting at $11,370
    • 3-night Package: Starting at $14,780
    • 4-night Package: Starting at $18,191
  • Guest Count: 60 max (80 if you book a tent)

• Villa Castelletti
  • Cost: The cost varies depending on your date, site selection, and guest count. For a specific quote and more details, you’ll need to contact the venue at villa@villacastelletti.it, but below is an example of a pricing breakdown for a 60-person wedding on a Saturday, utilizing the “Noble Floor” sites in the villa.
    • Rental Fee: $7,390
    • Catering: $8,254
    • Ceremony Site: $732
  • Guest Count: 500 max
    • The “Noble Floor”: 550 max (the following rooms are considered to be a part of the “Noble Floor”)
      • Sala Giardino d’Inverno: 550 max
      • Red Room: 80 max
      • Green Room: 70 max
    • The Cellars: 300 max
    • Theatre Hall: 90 max
    • Captain’s Hall: 200 max

This information is accurate as of the writing of this guide in 2026, but always double check with the venue for the most current info. 

How much does it cost to get married in Florence?

If you want to legally get married in Italy, the total legal and administrative cost could be anywhere between $167 and $800. Outside of the fixed costs for the Nulla Osta ($100), which is essentially a marriage affidavit, and the revenue stamps you’ll need to use for the documents (about $67 worth), the total number will vary depending on if your documents need translation and if an interpreter needs to be present during your appointments (this is required if neither of you speaks Italian). 

If you are traveling from another country, though, I recommend you do all of your paperwork to get legally married where you’re from. This will make the process a lot easier on you and ensure you don’t have to jump through any additional hoops you don’t have to. 

A lot of my favorite spots in the city are actually free if you choose to go the symbolic ceremony route, which means you have way more flexibility when it comes to picking a site that feels perfect for you. If you want something larger and showstopping, though, you can definitely go the venue route which can, on average, cost between $30,000 and $130,000+.  

This leaves you only needing to consider costs for travel, vendors, etc. Most of the couples who hire me invest a lot of their budget in photography because they want someone who can help them plan their adventure and document every magical moment of it. 

For more details, you can take a look at my full cost of eloping guide here!

Florence Elopement & Wedding Photos

Johanna & Jerome’s Florence Summer Elopement 

Johanna & Jerome told me that their relationship is the “epitome of a real life fairytale,” so where better to elope than in a city that feels like it’s both ancient and made for a movie? 

Eloping in Italy over two days gave Johanna  & Jerome a really great blend of everything they were looking for. They wanted to have a really stunning intimate wedding in Florence and then immediately head to the island of Sardinia to kick off their honeymoon in style. It gave them all of the moments they were looking for—some with their people, some solo, some around ornate architecture, and some out on the open sea or relaxing on the beach. 

They had their first look outside of Giotto’s Bell Tower right at sunrise followed by a private vow reading in the Piazza. They explored the city some after that, ducking out onto balconies and stopping to admire different buildings. Waking up before sunrise totally paid off. Florence can be a really busy city, but we had whole sections of it totally to ourselves. It’s an unreal way to experience it. 

Back at their hotel room they got cleaned up and ready for their rooftop ceremony with their friends & family. They had a violin and a cello player there to play while they walked down the aisle to a gorgeous corner overlooking the river. They exchanged their rings there against the big views of the entire city. 

Afterward they shared a first dance just after the sun went down and then started celebrating with their people. It was the perfect spot for an intimate ceremony full of meaning in a location they’d never forget. 

Then it was time for Day 2 in Sardinia! Head to that blog here! 

In their words

“BEST DAY EVER ❤️‍🔥”

“We had such an amazing experience with you!! We can’t thank you enough + are so excited to get the full gallery back ❤️‍🔥Our house will be covered with all these photos”